Viator · group up to 14 pax

Jewish Tour in Rio de Janeiro

4.9(41)Rio de Janeiro1 hour
VIATOR4.8(30)TRIPADVISOR5.0(11)

Description

The Jewish history in Brazil dates back to the time of the voyages of Columbus, Gaspar da Gama, a Jew by birth, accompanied Portuguese admiral Pedro Alvares Cabral when he landed in what is now Brazil in 1500, beginning a more than 500-year presence in the New World.  Enjoy a group tour to see the Jewish influence in Rio de Janeiro and learn about the Jewish presence in the city, besides visiting the main Jewish landmarks.

Tour Options

Jewish tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

20 min

Leblon is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Rio, and accommodation here comes at a price.Is where you see Beit Lubavitch Synagogue and Midrash Cultural center

Pass by

Ipanema beach is bordered by Arpoador Beach on one end and Leblon Beach on the other end. This beach is considered one of the main centers of activity for the city of Rio. One of the most expensive places to live, the neighborhood is full of wealthy residents.

Pass by

Is one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. The atmosphere is very vibrant and the people are colorful and fun loving. Is where we have the CIB - Jewish Community Center

30 min

When you visit Botafogo beach, you'll be rewarded with a picture postcard view of Rio de Janeiro. Botafogo where is a municipal school named after Anne Frank. This school is part one a Network of Schools Anne Frank, the CONIB with other organizations selected to give them that name in her honor. The project aims to promote the values represented by Anne Frank, taking public schools in Brazil as a production and dissemination of a culture of peace, respect for diversity and human rights. We have also teh A.R.I. Synagogue to visit in this area.Founded in 1942, the ARI - Israel's Religious Association of Progressive Judaism's in Rio de Janeiro, is affiliated to the World Union for Progressive Judaism - WUPJ. The Jewish Religious Association of Rio de Janeiro raised the "Rabbi Henry Lemle" Community Center which opened in 1997, with classrooms, library, auditorium, reception, administrative offices, and the synagogue "Henrique Peres" with up to 150 people, and the Center for Reference and Research on the Holocaust Zinner Family.

20 min

Itzhak Rabin Park, in Botafogo, is named by the ex president of Israel after its attack and was inaugurated by Leah, his wife. The park is located on top of Morro de Pasmado, very accessible viewpoint from where travelers can see the bay of Botafogo and Urca Bay. In the middle of the park there is a bust of Itzhak Rabin, which represents the relationship of the Brazilian state with the state of Israel.

Admission not included30 min

The Jewish Museum of Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1977 after the donation of a menorah (a seven-branched candelabrum and one of the main symbols of Judaism) is a dynamic cultural center, integrated into life in the city through activities structured towards the dual objective of preserving memory and promoting Jewish culture. It runs regular exhibits on the history of the Jewish community in Rio and Jewish traditions in its religious, cultural and historical aspects. Its activities take place in the Museum's facilities as well as in other organizations. It promotes academic research in matters related to migration and it organizes annual competitions for students. It also includes a Study Center that conducts research on migration and the Holocaust, a video archive with over a thousand films and a library.

Admission not included30 min

Type: Ashkenazi. The Great Temple of Israel is the Jewish Community of Rio de Janeiro's largest monument and a part of the history of the Yishuv and the city. In the past, it served as a point of reference for Jews in Rio de Janeiro. Construsted according to an eclectic style, with elements of Hebrew origin and classical architecture. The design was elaborated in 1919 by an architect named Vodred. The temple opened in 1932. The mosaics were made in 1976 by artist Humberto Cozzo. It collapsed in 1987 and is currently open only during the High Holidays, special events and tourist visits.

Highlights

Professional guide
Transport by vehicle / Car or Van
Port pickup and drop-off
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

What's included

Included
Professional guide
Transport by vehicle / Car or Van
Port pickup and drop-off
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
entrance fees

Pickup Locations & Times

Departure Point: Tour departs from most hotels by the cost line of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. If your hotel is outside the pickup area contact local provider to know the best pick up location and pick up time. Please wait by the entrance door - lobby Returns to original departure point. Please contact local operator to know the best pick up location.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
41 reviews
5
37
4
3
3
0
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1
1
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking to check if possible

Reviews(41)

S
Susana_L
March 25, 2026
Efraim was an excellent...

Efraim was an excellent tour guide. All three of us in the group really enjoyed having him as a guide. He had great disposition and shared lots of information. Pace was just right. Enjoyed visiting all the places he took us too

J
Jeffrey_S
March 18, 2026
We were very impressed...

We were very impressed with Efrims knowledge of the Jewish Community and culture. He turned up on time and gave us an excellent tour. We had access to various Shules and the Cultural centre. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rio and wants to visit Jewish areas.

A
Andrea_H
March 17, 2026
Jewish Rio

As a tourist it is wonderful to see a Jewish connection in another country. We saw three Temples and a lovely small museum. The guide was very conge

R
Reva_P
March 12, 2026
Nice tour!

Pickup was on time, very nice van. Tour included another couple. We toured two synagogues and the Jewish museum, the Holocaust Memorial, the Jewish Cultural Center which has a kosher supermarket and sports and catering facilities and meeting and game rooms. We learned about Jewish life in Brazil and how the Jewish community provides free medicine to anyone who can’t afford it. Very nice tour guide, and pickup at our hotel. Recommend to anyone interested in Jewish life in Rio.

L
Linda_M
November 13, 2025
Passionate trip round Jewish Rio

If you want to get a feel for Jewish life in Rio then take this tour The mix of communities and the care for all within those communities was well shown. Ephraim is knowledgeable and generous with his understanding

A
Abby_M
September 15, 2025
Like a Jewish embrace and worth every penny.

Ephraim was our guide and I felt like we were family immediately. I am reformed and live in Chicago. He took us to an orthodox temple, the great temple that welcomes all denominations of Judaism, the Jewish community center, which was incredible and a small museum that had an impressive collection. The Jewish community center is open to all faith and a gem in the city. With a full workout room, gymnasium, store, free pharmacy, restaurant, card, games, and more. I can see how this center would easily fit into my life. We also went to a holocaust memorial Park, and as we drove through many parts of Rio, he pointed out areas of interest. He also took me to a jewelry wholesaler where I bought a stunning imperial topaz, only found in Brazil, ring. The jeweler was an Egyptian Jewish woman, and also treated me like family. We ended the tour at one of his favorite restaurants that was not a tourist destination, but a favorite by locals and I understand why. I wish I could spend more time with Ephraim as I learned so much and was greeted with such kind hospitality. He is a gift to the world & I hope that our paths cross again someday in this lifetime.

S
Susan_L
September 4, 2025
Jewish Tour Rio

Ephraim provided a knowledge and interesting tour of Jewish venues in Rio. Our van was exceptionally comfortable and had an experienced driver

M
Martin_H
April 3, 2025
Short but very...

Short but very informative. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared is knowledge generously. Really recommending this tour.

M
Marilyn_S
March 15, 2025
Efriam was very...

Efriam was very knowledgeable and made the tour interesting and enjoyable. He had a wide range of knowledge outside of what was necessary for this tour.

M
marven_l
February 12, 2025
delightful tour, air...

delightful tour, air conditioned van. Varied tour of Jewish sites. The Holocaust museum was closed the day we visited. Ephraim was very knowledgeable. We were with 2 women from Argentina, but no great difficulty with language issues.

Operator response

Thank you Marven. It was our pleasure to show you Rio.

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